The European startup ecosystem is thriving, and 2025 promises to be an exciting year for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This guide highlights the top startup events across Europe, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.
EU-Startups Summit
Date: April 24-25, 2025
Location: Valletta, Malta
The EU-Startups Summit is set to be a cornerstone event in the European startup calendar. With an expected attendance of over 2,500 participants, including 1,200 founders and 350 investors, this event offers a perfect blend of networking and learning opportunities14.
Key Features:
- Dedicated networking app for attendees
- Topic-focused sessions
- Evening networking drinks
- Buzzing exhibition hall with 75 innovative companies
- Fireside chats and insightful keynotes
- Pitch competition showcasing Europe’s top early-stage startups
Slush
Date: November 19-20, 2025
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Slush has grown from a small meetup to one of Europe’s most significant startup events. It’s renowned for its ability to connect startup founders with investors through innovative matchmaking and pitching contests11.
Key Features:
- Over 3,300 investors in attendance
- Pitch competition with potential for significant investment
- 500 side events, workshops, and networking opportunities
VivaTech
Date: June 11-14, 2025
Location: Paris, France
VivaTech stands out as one of Europe’s largest tech events, focusing on accelerating innovation by bringing together startups, tech leaders, and investors11.
Key Features:
- Four-day event at Expo Porte de Versailles
- Global community of visionary startups, investors, and corporations
- Focus on tackling major challenges through innovation
TNW Conference
Date: June 19-20, 2025
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Next Web (TNW) Conference aims to inform and connect tech with present and future challenges. It offers a festival-like atmosphere that encourages networking and idea exchange11.
Key Features:
- Over 1,000 attendees including founders, investors, and policymakers
- Focus on inspiring attendees and building relationships
- Exploration of new opportunities in the tech sector
TechChill
Date: February 5-7, 2025
Location: Riga, Latvia
TechChill is a standout event in the Baltics, known for its relaxed atmosphere and effective networking opportunities5.
Key Features:
- About 10% of attendees are investors
- Early access to investor list and matchmaking app for startups
- Pitch competitions and dedicated networking spaces
Latitude59
Date: May 21-23, 2025
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Latitude59 leverages Estonia’s reputation as a startup-friendly hub to offer a compact but impactful event6.
Key Features:
- Curated matchmaking sessions
- Pitch competition with a €1M investment prize
- Nearly 50-50 startup-to-investor ratio
ViennaUP
Date: May 8-16, 2025
Location: Vienna, Austria
ViennaUP is a city-wide startup festival that showcases Vienna’s vibrant ecosystem1115.
Key Features:
- Over 10,000 participants across 50+ events
- Diverse tracks for investors, startups, policymakers, and enterprises
- Opportunity to explore Vienna’s startup ecosystem
Conclusion
The European startup landscape in 2025 is set to be more vibrant than ever, with events catering to various niches and interests. Whether you’re a founder looking for investment, an investor seeking the next big thing, or an industry professional aiming to stay ahead of trends, these events offer invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of the innovation wave sweeping across Europe in 2025.
